Lime Health & Safety
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
LIME FOR CONSTRUCTION
INFORMATION ON THE COMPONENTS OF LIME
COMPOSITION Natural Hydraulic Lime is created by the
calcination (at 1200 degrees) of an argillaceous
limestone.
The argillaceous limestone is quarried and
calcined/burned. The burning process produces
calcium oxide as well as calcium silicates and
calcium aluminates. The resulting material is
ground to suitable particle size and hydrated.
The lime obtained by the calcination of
argillaceous or siliceous limestone is called
"Natural Hydraulic lime" (NHL).
When in contact with water the substance sets and
hardens. Carbon dioxide present in the air also
contributes to this hardening process. The lime contains a minimum of 12 % free lime. NHL can contain, organic elements in very small quantities. These elements should have no effect whatsoever on their property as mortars.
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS
Natural hydraulic lime is not classified as a "dangerous substance" according to the rules of appendix VI of the 67/548/CEE directive. However, due to its alkaline qualities in solution, precautions must be taken while using it. Danger symbol Xi
• Natural hydraulic lime is an irritant to the eyes, respiratory tract and mucous membranes.
• Risk of ocular lesions in the case of contact with powder or paste in the eye.
• Upon mixing, taking into account its raised pH, natural hydraulic lime can irritate and dry out skin.
• Prolonged contact with the skin can cause sensitivity.
• In case of ingestion (of a significant quantity), Natural Hydraulic Lime is caustic to the digestive tract and may cause bums to the mouth, oesophagus and stomach.
• No significant risk to the environment. However, in case of an accidental spill in residual water, the powder can cause a small rise in the pH of the water. Natural hydraulic lime is a stable material which causes other components to harden and makes them insoluble.
FIRST AID IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY
4.1 CONTACT WITH EYES:Rinse immediately and abundantly with clean water, consult a doctor and/or ophthalmologist.
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN
Prolonged contact: if the Natural Hydraulic Lime is dry, remove as much powder as possible, then wash with clean water. If the Natural Hydraulic
Lime is mixed wash abundantly with water. Be
careful to ensure that no lime remains between
the skin and watch, shoes or clothes.
INHALATION
In the case of inhalation of a large quantity, bring
the subject away from the work area and consult
a doctor in the case of any respiratory symptoms.
FIRE PREVENTION
Natural Hydraulic Lime is not flammable.
In the case of fire any type of equipment to extinguish can be
used.
IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENTAL SPILL
INDIVIDUAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid all contact with the eyes.
Avoid contact with the skin.
Do not breath the dust.
In the case of dust escaping, wear a dust mask.
Wear appropriate protective gear (gloves, suit, boots).
TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Avoid pouring Natural Hydraulic Lime in
large quantities down drains or into surface water.
SPILLAGES
Recover the lime in a manner which avoids raising dust.
STORAGE, USE AND HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
HANDLING
Natural hydraulic lime should be handled in a
manner so as to avoid creating dust.
STORAGE
Keep out of reach of children.
Avoid creating loose dust.
Avoid direct contact with skin and mucous membranes.
USE
Use of safety goggles is advised.
EXPOSURE LIMITS AND INDIOVIDUAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Limit of exposure to dust (article R.232-5-5 of the work code):
- Total dust:10 mg/m3
INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION
- Respiratory protection When natural hydraulic lime is present in the
air, use of a dust mask is recommended.
- Hand protection Wear waterproof gloves lined with cotton.
- Eye protection Wear goggles in the case of dust, powder or
paste coming into contact with the eye.
- Skin protection Wear clothes appropriate to the type of work
being done (overalls to cover the arms where
gloves might not reach , and waterproof knee
pads for working in a kneeling position).
Barrier creams can be used. Water resistant
boots are recommended
PHYSIO/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE: Powder
COLOUR: Light Gray
ODOUR: None
pH IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION: Alkaline between 12 and 13
MELTING TEMPERATURE: > l000 °C
ABSOLUTE MASS VOLUME: 2.71 g/cm3 to 20°C
APPARENT MASS VOLUME: 0.77 g/cm3 to 20°C
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Up to 1.5g/l to 20°C
SELF COMBUSTION: Not applicable
BURNING TEMPERATURES: Not applicable
DANGER OF EXPLOSION: Not applicable
PARTICLE SIZE: From 20 to 30% <5µ
STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Moisture can cause the setting of Natural Hydraulic
Lime.
MATERIALS TO AVOID: None
DANGEROUS BY- PRODUCTS: None
OTHER INFORMATION: The setting of Natural Hydraulic Lime is accompanied
by a slight rise in temperature.
TOXICITY INFORMATION
INHALATION: Natural hydraulic lime can cause irritation of the
respiratory tract.
Natural hydraulic lime can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in
the nose. In extreme cases, erosion of mucous
membranes has been observed.
INGESTION: In case of ingestion of a significant quantity,
natural hydraulic lime can cause burns to the
mouth, oesophagus and stomach.
SKIN CONTACT: Natural hydraulic lime can irritate moist skin
by partial hydration following a higher pH.
CONTACT WITH THE EYE: Natural hydraulic lime can cause irritation to
the eyelids and cause serious eye lesions
which require a thorough eyewash and visit
to the ophthalmologist.
LONG TERM SKIN PROBLEMS: Prolonged exposure without appropriate protection
(gloves) can cause dermatitis.
CARCINOGENIC DANGERS: None reported
GENETIC TOXICITY: None reported
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
MOBILITY: None
BIO-ACCIJMULATION POTENTIAL: None
ECOTOXICITY: In the case of an accidental spill in residual
waters, Natural Hydraulic Lime powder can
cause a slight increase in the pH level.
Natural Hydraulic Lime is a stable material
which sets, and renders its components
insoluble.
INFORMATION ON WASTE DISPOSAL
After setting, Natural Hydraulic Lime can be disposed of like other construction wastes and stored in appropriate containers according to current regulations.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Material not dangerous.
REGULATORY INFORMATION
DANGER SYMBOL: Xi: irritating product
MAIN INGREDIENT: Lime
R PHRASES: R3 6/37/38 : an irritant to the eyes, the
respiratory tract and skin
R41 : risk of serious ocular lesions
S PHRASES: S2 : keep out of reach of children
S24/25 : avoid eye or skin contact
S26 : in case of contact wash thoroughly
with clean water/consult a doctor
S37 : wear adequate gloves
S39: wear safety gear to protect the eyes and face
OTHER INFORMATION
· The information contained in this document is based on our current knowledge of Natural Hydraulic Lime, it is given in good faith.
· In no case should this information be interpreted as a guarantee of quality.
· Please note that it is a risk to use a product for purposes other than those which it is intended. It is the responsibility of the user to determine the appropriate measures of security and to follow the text regulating its use. The instructions mentioned in this safety sheet are intended to aid the user in fulfilling his/her due obligations.